Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Motorcyclists have less protection than other motorists, so they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries, like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. However, motorcycle accidents don’t just cause physical injuries. They can also result in emotional injuries that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here’s some further information about the emotional trauma that comes from motorcycle accidents.
Depression
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents. It’s not uncommon for traumatic brain injury patients to experience depression. Common symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, irritability, sleep problems, feelings of worthlessness and changes in appetite.
If depression is diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, your doctor may recommend antidepressants and behavioral therapy. With proper treatment, it’s very possible to overcome depression.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Some motorcycle accident victims also experience post-traumatic stress disorder. This disorder can develop after a person has experienced a terrifying event and can last months or years. Symptoms of this disorder include flashbacks and nightmares of the trauma, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and loss of interest in activities. People with post-traumatic stress disorder may also try to avoid anything that reminds them of the accident.
While post-traumatic stress disorder is serious, it is treatable. The main treatment for this disorder is psychotherapy, which can teach you skills to address your symptoms and help you think better about yourself. It can help you gain control over your situation and help you move on.
Your doctor may also suggest taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to improve your symptoms.
There are also several lifestyle changes you can make to help with your treatment. Eat a nutritious diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages, as they can make anxiety worse. Surround yourself with people who care about you and don’t be afraid to share your feelings with them.
Getting Compensation for Emotional Injuries
If you have suffered emotional distress from a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation for emotional injuries include counseling sessions and ongoing treatments. It’s important to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN about your case as soon as possible.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a timely claim, identify key witnesses, gather important evidence and protect your legal rights. Many motorcycle accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking to one.
Thanks to Johnston | Martineau PLLP, Attorneys at Law for their insight into motorcycle accident injuries and claims.